The common cold is nothing to sneeze at. If you're like most Americans, you'll get approximately four colds a year. (1) This results in 20 million days of absence from work, and 22 million sick days absent from school, every year in America. And there’s a potential remedy that you won’t find in the drugstore or in your medicine cabinet!
That secret cold and flu-busting secret? Friendship.
One study found that a lack of quality friendships is just as bad for your health as smoking or being overweight. (2)
And according to one meta-analysis that analyzed research covering dozens of studies and more than 300,000 people found that men and women who are in strong, positive relationships are 50 percent more likely to live longer. (3)
In general, having quality friendships lowers stress, improves mood, enhances sleep quality, and so much more. And yes, it can even protect you from the cold. (4) In one study, 276 participants were exposed to the virus that causes the common cold. Then, they were monitored by researchers. The individuals who stayed in close contact with friends, family, their romantic partners, etc., were four times less likely to end up catching a cold.
If you want to defend yourself this cold and flu season, and experience all the additional benefits of friendship, consider…
1. Joining a local meetup or group of hobbyists. From book clubs to bird watching organizations, there are guaranteed to be like-minded people in your city or town. Joining a group makes it easier to make friends because you know you already have some common interests.
2. Remove the fear of meeting people. One reason many people struggle to make friends is because of the fear of rejection. But keep two things in mind: First, the other person is just as likely as you to want more genuine friendships. And second, this fear is all in your head. You’re simply projecting this fear out into the world and it has no basis on what may or may not actually happen. Use this to build the courage to put yourself out there!
3. Volunteer. Volunteering for a good cause not only has been shown to reduce stress, improve a sense of community and boost your happiness and contentment, but it also connects you with other people who share both common interests as well as genuine goodness - both which are building blocks for a positive friendship.
If you've found this topic helpful, but still need direction to apply it into your life; then click here to get a FREE 45-Minute Call with a coaching consultant at Achieve Today. They'll walk you through your goals, help you understand why you might be stuck, and give you some solid solutions to your problems.
References: